Traditional Portuguese Food: 7 Authentic Dishes to Try in Portugal
- Meredith Peters
- Jan 25, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: May 15
One of the best parts of traveling through Portugal is the food.
Meals in Portugal are not rushed. Lunch can stretch for hours, dinner starts later than many Americans are used to, and food is deeply tied to the country’s culture and traditions.
When Anthony Bourdain visited Portugal for No Reservations, he joked that it was the first country where people spent four hours at lunch talking about what they were having for dinner. Honestly, that sums it up pretty well.
Portugal’s culinary scene goes far beyond pastel de nata and port wine. Every region has its own specialties, and many of the country’s most traditional dishes are tied to local history, fishing culture, agriculture, and family recipes passed down for generations.
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, here are some authentic Portuguese dishes worth trying while you’re there.
Caldo Verde
If you’re looking for classic Portuguese comfort food, caldo verde is one of the country’s most beloved soups.
Originally from northern Portugal, this traditional dish is made with:
Potatoes
Onion
Garlic
Kale
Chouriço sausage
It’s simple, hearty, and especially popular during cooler months.
You’ll often find it served alongside bread and wine, particularly during local festivals and traditional Fado performances.
Polvo à Lagareiro
Seafood plays a major role in Portuguese cuisine, and octopus is especially popular throughout coastal regions like the Algarve.
Polvo à Lagareiro is one of the most traditional preparations. The octopus is roasted until tender and served with olive oil, garlic, and roasted potatoes.
The dish is simple, but when it’s done well, it’s incredibly flavorful.
Even travelers who are hesitant about octopus are often surprised by how much they enjoy it in Portugal.
Piri-Piri Chicken
Piri-piri chicken is one of Portugal’s most recognizable dishes internationally.
The spicy sauce is made using bird’s eye chilies and has roots tied to Portugal’s maritime history and trade routes through Africa.
Depending on where you order it, the spice level can vary quite a bit, so don’t hesitate to ask for:
Mild
Medium
Extra spicy
This is one of those meals that pairs perfectly with a casual outdoor lunch and a cold beer on a warm afternoon.
Bacalhau
If there’s one ingredient that defines Portuguese cuisine, it’s bacalhau, or salted cod. You'll hear people say there are hundreds of ways to prepare it, and honestly, that may not be an exaggeration.
One of the most popular versions is:
Bacalhau à Brás
Shredded cod mixed with eggs, onions, and crispy potatoes.
A quick note when ordering:
Bacalhau = salted cod
Bacalhau fresco = fresh cod
The salted version is the traditional preparation you’ll see most often.
Alheira
Alheira sausage has one of the most fascinating culinary histories in Portugal.
During the Portuguese Inquisition, many Jewish families secretly continued practicing Judaism while trying to avoid persecution. Since pork sausages were commonly hung in homes, families began creating sausages made from other meats to blend in with surrounding communities.
Today, alheira is still widely eaten throughout Portugal and can include:
Chicken
Duck
Pork
Veal
It’s rich, savory, and deeply connected to Portuguese history.
Pastel de Nata
You really cannot leave Portugal without trying a pastel de nata.
These famous custard tarts are found all over the country, but there is definitely a difference between an average one and an exceptional one.
The best versions have:
Flaky pastry
Warm custard filling
A slightly caramelized top
Cinnamon sprinkled over the top
They’re especially good fresh out of the oven with an espresso.
Porco Preto
Porco preto comes from a special breed of black Iberian pig raised in Portugal and Spain.
This dish is especially associated with the Alentejo region, an area known for:
Rolling countryside
Vineyards
Olive groves
Exceptional food
The pork is rich, flavorful, and often simply grilled to let the quality of the meat speak for itself.
Alentejo is one of my favorite regions for travelers looking for a slower pace and a deeper culinary experience in Portugal.
Food Is One of the Best Reasons to Visit Portugal
This list barely scratches the surface of traditional Portuguese food.
Part of what makes Portugal so special is how regional the cuisine feels. What you eat in Porto will feel different from what you eat in Lisbon, the Algarve, or Alentejo.
And honestly, that’s part of the fun.
Some of the best meals happen in small restaurants you would never notice walking by. Places without huge signs or trendy interiors, just incredible food and families who have been making the same dishes for decades.
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make in Portugal is overpacking their itinerary and not leaving enough time to actually enjoy the experience of being there.
The meals, the wine, the slower pace, all of it becomes part of the trip.
Ready to Experience Portugal for Yourself?
If Portugal is on your list, I can help you plan a trip that goes beyond simply checking off cities.
From boutique hotels and winery stays to food experiences, private touring, and regional recommendations, I help clients experience Portugal in a way that fits how they actually like to travel.
Learn more about my Signature Services and schedule your complimentary consultation here:
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